Monday, June 1, 2026, Katie Hale

Theme:  Yada yada yada.

Today's crossword puzzle comes to us from Katie Hale, assistant crossword editor of the Los Angeles Times.  Although she is clearly a sparkling wit and wordsmith, today Katie is concerned with conversation that lacks spark.  The theme answers are:

20-Across. Warning on delicate garments: DRY CLEAN ONLY.  A DRY conversation is lifeless, humorless, or matter-of-fact.

34-Across. Feature of nonglossy countertops: DULL FINISH.  A DULL conversation is boring, tedious, or uninteresting.

44-Across. Espressos with steamed milk: FLAT WHITES.  A FLAT conversation lacks energy, emotion, or enthusiasm.

56-Across. "... and other meaningless drivel," or what can be found at the start of 20-, 34-, and 44-Across: BLAH BLAH BLAH.  All of these conversations are BLAH and sound to at least one of the participants like BLAH BLAH BLAH (or yada yada yada) -- in other words, meaningless drivel.  Katie has clued us in to look for something BLAH at the start (or beginning) of the answers cited.

Let's not put you to sleep with all this blather.  On to the rest of the clues and answers!

Across:

1. Timelessly stylish: CHIC.

5. Many a robocall: SCAM.

9. Brewery tour pours, for short: IPAS.  India Pale Ales.

13. Polo ground chunk: DIVOT.  A divot is a small chunk of grass and soil dug out of the ground, most commonly the result of swinging a golf iron.  In polo, divots are torn up by the horses' hooves as they gallop, stop or turn.  Polo matches feature a halftime break during which spectators stomp the upturned chunks of turf back into place, making the field safer for the horses.

The divot stomp is even more fun if you're drinking.

15. __ stick: POGO.  The pogo stick's name comes from the surnames of two German inventors, Max Pohlig and Ernst Gotschall, who registered a German patent for a "spring end hopping stilt" in 1920.

Pogo stick

16. French peak, to locals: ALPE.  The French Alps are located in southeastern France, along the borders with Switzerland and Italy.  The French language loves unpronounced letters, so of course Alp is Alpe in French.

17. Public tantrum: SCENE.  As in, "Don't make a scene!"

18. Bring in: EARN.

19. Stare open-mouthed: GAPE.

20. [Theme clue]

23. On land: ASHORE.  As a landlubber, I don't generally think of myself as being ashore, but my late sister's husband lives on a little sailboat and is usually out at sea, so his time ashore is a distinct experience.

26. Verbal hesitations: ERS.

27. Lipton drink: TEA.

28. The Jazz of the NBA, on scoreboards: UTA.  The Utah Jazz are a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City.

29. "Most definitely": IT IS.  Is the weather getting weirder every year?  IT IS.

32. Vlogger devices, informally: CAMS.  A vlogger (or video blogger) produces video content to share online.  CAMeraS are essential.

34. [Theme clue]

37. Like a room with open windows: AIRY.

40. Parquet floor feature: INLAY.  Parquet is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for decorative flooring.  Inlay is a technique of setting wood or other materials into shallow recesses carved in a base surface so that the inserted pieces are flush with the surrounding surface.

Parquet floor.

41. Airport entry org.: TSA.  The Transportation Security Administration was established in 2001, in direct response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. Originally under the Department of Transportation, the agency was moved to the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. 

42. Mentor's pupil: TUTEE.

43. "You told me a thousand times already!": OK OK.  But is that enough?  IT IS!

44. [Theme clue]

46. Glam gala: FETE.

48. Elderly Shakespearean king: LEAR.

49. All Hallows' __: EVE.

50. 1980s sitcom ET: ALF.  ALF was a television sitcom that aired on NBC from 1986 to 1990.  The title character, ALF (an acronym for Alien Life Form), crash-lands in the garage of a suburban California family.  ALF ran for four seasons, with a total of 97 episodes.  Did anyone here watch it?

52. Each and every one: ALL.

54. Not top quality, screenwise: LOW RES.  A LOW RESolution display lacks sharpness and fine detail.

56. [Theme clue]

60. Crimson Tide team, familiarly: BAMA.  The Alabama Crimson Tide (known as "Bama") represents the University of Alabama in NCAA Division I athletics.

61. October birthstone: OPAL.  My sister and I used to speculate about who would inherit Mom's incredible antique opal necklace.  Mom had no idea we were interested.  She sold it.

Opal

62. Baby shower bear: TEDDY.

66. Bad news bringer: OMEN.

67. "Now __ talking!": WE'RE.

68. "I'm so great!": YAY ME.

69. Fixes, as potholes: TARS.

70. Snow glider: SLED.

71. Assessment: TEST.

Down:

1. Record store section: CDS.  Compact discs -- the format between vinyl records and online digital music.  Except there were a lot of tape formats, too!  And audio DVDs.  Audiophiles, your comments are welcome.

CDs

2. Sound of a diaphragm spasm: HIC.  The sound of a hiccup.

3. "__ been meaning to tell you ... ": I'VE.

4. Unit in a complex: CONDO.

5. Hardware detail, for short: SPEC.  Hardware SPECifications are the technical details of a computer’s hardware -- such as the processor, memory, storage, graphics card, and operating system -- that define its performance and capabilities.  I suppose there are SPECs for other kinds of hardware, too, like nuts, bolts, and hinges.

6. Snowman's eyes, sometimes: COAL.

7. Be in harmony: AGREE.

8. Charles III, e.g.: MONARCH.  Ever heard of Charles III?  He's the reigning MONARCH in the UK.

9. "Othello" villain: IAGO.  Iago is a fictional character in Shakespeare's Othello. 

10. Friend who maintains one's watering schedule, say: PLANT SITTER.  Or hire a professional!

11. Orchard pick: APPLE.

12. "Bye now": SEE YA.

14. Fill with fear: TERRIFY.

21. Hairy cryptid: YETI.  A cryptid is a creature whose existence has been suggested by legends or eyewitness accounts, but whose existence remains unproven or unrecognized by scientific consensus.  A prime example is the North American Bigfoot AKA "Sasquatch."  The Himalyan Yeti AKA "Abominable Snowman" is another.

22. Govt. intel org.: NSA.  The National Security Agency is a U.S. Department of Defense intelligence agency tasked with global monitoring of information, and protecting U.S. government communications networks and information systems.

23. Broadcast's sound component: AUDIO.

24. Didn't do well: STUNK.

25. Cooperstown honoree: HALL OF FAMER.  Cooperstown is a village in central New York State, known for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

30. Abbr. in some airport names: INTL.  Abbreviation for "international."

31. Doormat fiber: SISAL.

33. "You're Welcome" singer in "Moana": MAUI.

Moana and Maui

35. Waterskiing spot: LAKE.

36. Fully gratify: SATE.

38. Superman player Christopher: REEVE.  Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) played Superman in the 1978 film and three sequels (1980-1987), along with a number of other fine film performances.

Christopher Reeve as Superman

39. Affirmative replies: YESES.

42. Husky, as a voice: THROATY.

44. Guys: FELLOWS.

45. Barrier: WALL.

47. Tavern tally: TAB.

50. Religious brotherhood leader: ABBOT.

51. Vicuña kin: LLAMA.  The vicuña is a wild South American camelid which lives in the high alpine areas of the Andes. Vicuñas are relatives of the llama, and are the ancestors of domesticated alpacas.  The vicuña is the national animal of Peru and appears on the Peruvian coat of arms.

Vicuñas

53. Jacket flap: LAPEL.

55. Flour source: WHEAT.

57. "Dune" film score composer Zimmer: HANS.  Hans Zimmer is a German composer who has scored over 150 films.  He won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score, for The Lion King (1994) and for Dune (2021).

Hans Zimmer

58. Fabled race loser: HARE.

59. Turned light laundry pink accidentally, perhaps: BLED.  Who hasn't washed a red shirt and gotten pink socks by accident?

63. Turn light laundry pink intentionally, perhaps: DYE.  Cute follow-up to the previous clue.

64. Private app convos: DMS.  A DM is a Direct Message, sent privately between social media or app users.

65. As of now: YET.  Is it over ... as of now?

Here's the grid:

Do we all AGREE that this was a nifty puzzle?  Do I hear YESES?

Or do you think it STUNK?

SEE YA in the comments section!

-- NaomiZ

Sunday May 10, 2026 Katie Hale

 Theme: "GARDEN VARIETY" - Part of a familiar phrase is replaced by the name of a flower.

24. Show off very pale linseed plants?: WAVE THE WHITE FLAX. Wave the white flag. 

32. Monarch who wears an oxeye crown?: DAISY QUEEN. Dairy Queen.

53. Finds the best way to get thorns in one's hand?: STRIKES A ROSE. Strike a pose. 

70. "If you buy another showy pink bloom, so help me ... "?: NOT A PEONY MORE. Not a penny more. 

90. Throw a tantrum in a springtime meadow?: POUND POPPIES. Pound puppies. 

111. Fall wedding with a purple theme, perhaps?: ASTER PARTY. After party. 

Reveal: 

119. FTD Mother's Day slogan, or an alternate title for this puzzle?: SAY IT WITH FLOWERS.

Such a great reveal. Super consistent. Each theme entry has a one-letter change. That's a very tight constraint. The workable set is quite small.

I imagine this puzzle went through few clue changes. Katie is a pro at making smooth 21x21s. 

Katie Hale

Across:

1. Backpack, e.g.: BAG. 

4. "__ in Cincinnati": WKRP.

8. Go down: SINK.

12. Most eccentric: ODDEST.

18. Small matter: ATOM.

20. Grateful Dead co-founder Bob: WEIR. Another Grateful Dead guy who shows up from time to time is the bassist Phil LESH.

21. McFlurry cookie: OREO.

22. Nothing, in Italian: NIENTE.

23. "Tick that off my bucket list" hashtag: YOLO. You Only Live Once.

27. Eventually become: END UP.

29. Mandarin "hello": NI HAO. Ni = You. Hao = Good. 

30. Plunder: LOOT.

31. State of the __: ART.

34. Overwhelming desire: LUST.

36. Dramas set in Vegas and Miami: CSIS.

38. "Minaret" novelist Aboulela: LEILA. Sudanese writer. Born in Cairo and raised in Khartoum.

39. Collect copious amounts of: RAKE IN.

41. Swear: AVOW.

43. Like light yogurt: NON-FAT.

45. "That's so nice": AAH.

46. Advantage to get in competition: A LEG UP.

50. Sweetener in some 13-Down: SPLENDA. 13. Sugar-free soda: DIET COLA.

56. God of love: EROS.

57. Prized violin: AMATI. Paganini reportedly lost a valuable Amati violin because of gambling debts.

60. Chest muscles, briefly: PECS.

61. No. 2: VEEP.

62. Creamy drink: LASSI. Yogurt drink.

64. Major artery: AORTA.

67. "The Wild Robot" voice actor Ving: RHAMES. He also plays Luther Stickell in the "Mission: Impossible" films.

69. Caustic solution: LYE.

74. PD call: APB.

77. "Shabbat __": SHALOM.

79. "Same for me!": SO DO I.

80. Poolside need: TOWEL.

82. Baseball dynasty name: ALOU.

84. Farm cart: DRAY.

86. __ nous: ENTRE.

89. Cast a ballot: VOTE.

94. Future attorney's study material: CASE LAW.

96. Clay shaper: POTTER.

97. Old Hollywood studio: RKO.

98. "Fourth Wing" creature: DRAGON. Not famliar with the book, fantasy romance by Rebecca Yarros.

100. Nobel subj.: ECON.

102. Tiny, cutesily: EENSIE.

104. Wild West brothers: EARPS.

107. Farr co-star: ALDA.

109. Thessaly peak: OSSA.

114. Skater Midori: ITO.

115. Ephron who directed "You've Got Mail": NORA.

117. Ancient market: AGORA.

118. Give a start: SCARE.

124. "China Rich Girlfriend" novelist Kevin: KWAN. He also wrote "Crazy Rich Asians"

125. Go places: TRAVEL.

126. Promising letters: IOUS.

127. Shuffle cousin in the Apple family: NANO.

128. Fit of pique: SNIT.

129. Pre-Titans team: OILERS. The Houston Oilers later became the Tennessee Titans.

130. Wolfe created by Rex Stout: NERO.

131. Snapdragon Stadium sch.: SDSU. San Diego State University. 

132. Inspo for the Curtis Sittenfeld novel "Romantic Comedy": SNL.

Down:

1. Howled like a wolf: BAYED.

2. Like a composition without a key: ATONAL.

3. Oscar winner Hawn: GOLDIE.

4. Address bar letters: WWW.

5. Reeves of "Speed": KEANU.

6. Saint-Tropez region: RIVIERA.

7. Warm up: PREHEAT.

8. Old Compton Street's district: SOHO. Katie lives in London. 

9. Rage: IRE.

10. Fresh: NEW.

11. Department store chain with TV ads starring Ellie Kemper: KOHL'S.

12. Latch __: ONTO.

14. Rock's __ Leppard: DEF.

15. Zhou of China: ENLAI.  Zhou Enlai remains one of the most respected political figures in modern Chinese history.

16. Sky lights: STARS.

17. Send a message: TEXT.

19. Meek quality: MOUSINESS.

25. Go down: TANK.

26. Wee bit: IOTA.

28. Traffic cone: PYLON.

33. Post-presentation sesh: Q AND A.

34. "I don't buy it": LIAR.

35. Not hot and not cool: UNHIP. Fun clue.

37. Veer: SWERVE.

40. Snack: EAT.

42. Poughkeepsie college: VASSAR. Notable alumni include Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, who later co-starred in "The Devil Wears Prada."

44. Some group chat members, for short: FAM.

47. Takes unofficial R&R: GOES AWOL. Rare in the Chinese military because penalties are historically very severe.

48. Find purpose for: USE.

49. __ rally: PEP.

50. Trading floor call: SELL.

51. Say grace, say: PRAY.

52. Misses the cut: LOSES OUT.

53. Fathers: SIRES.

54. "Rainbow Connection" singer: KERMIT.

55. Warehouse sound: ECHO.

58. Road trip aid: AAA MAP.

59. Spinning toy: TOP.

63. "Be My Guest With __ Garten": INA. Her voice is so calming.

65. Plus: TOO.

66. Llama habitat: ANDES.

68. Chanced upon: MET.

71. Experienced expert: OLD PRO.

72. Sushi bar tuna order: TORO. The cut from the belly. Melt-in-your-mouth.

73. Hither's partner: YON.

75. Animal rights org.: PETA.

76. Huffed and puffed: BLEW.

78. Looked (for): HUNTED.

81. Cookie sheet holders: OVEN RACKS.

82. iPhone download: APP.

83. Bath facilities: LOO.

85. WWI Belgian battle site: YPRES. Google AI says this city witnessed four years of near-continuous, intense fighting and over 1 million total casualties across five major battles.

87. Classic TV brand: RCA.

88. More than ready: EAGER.

91. Sommelier's prop: DECANTER.

92. Flatpack furniture chain: IKEA.

93. Long, long time: EON.

95. Dial, Dove, and Irish Spring: SOAPS.

98. Denies any association with: DISOWNS.

99. Go back over: RETREAD.

101. Tuna roll wrap: NORI. We call it "zicai" in Chinese, literally "purple veggie". Nori turns dark green when it's roasted. 

103. Palm stem product: SAGO.

105. Shrimp kin: PRAWNS.

106. Drain in a sieve: STRAIN.

107. Pitfall! platform: ATARI.

108. Unwaveringly true: LOYAL.

110. Ballet slipper material: SATIN.

112. Brings home: EARNS.

113. Streisand title role: YENTL.

114. Analogy words: IS TO.

116. Barn birds: OWLS.

117. Plus: ALSO.

120. "__ never been better": I'VE.

121. Plot device?: HOE. Garden plot.

122. Calico coat: FUR.

123. Small amount: SOU.

C.C. 

Sunday March 15, 2026 Katie Hale & Rich Katz

Theme: "STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU" - U is inserted in the very middle of each common phrase. 

27A. Complete text of "Prefixes for Dummies"?: THAT'S A NOUN STARTER. That's a non-starter.

40A. Fancy hotel rooms overrun with spiders?: WEB SUITES. Web sites.

65A. Negotiating with Mephistopheles?: ON THE FAUST TRACK. On the fast track.

78A. Tariff on marble sculptures?: STATUE TAX. State tax.

110A. Snap selfies in a sulky pose?: TAKE POUT SHOTS. Take potshots.

71D. Candlelit dinner at the Geek Squad counter?: BEST BUY DATE. Best by date.

74D. Sotheby's event featuring a Shakespeare original?: PLAY AUCTION. Play action.

97D. #marinara, e.g.?: RAGU TAG. Ragtag. 

This is how constructors elevate a common letter addition/deletion/replacement. Katie and Rich insert a U exactly in the middle of each familiar phrase, adding an extra layer of precision.

As a result, all the theme entries have an odd number of letters. We also get a rare left-right mirror grid. Lovely gridwork.

Across: 

1. Fill one's ride: TANK UP.

7. Telly channel: BBC.

10. In fine form: FIT.

13. Invent: CREATE.

19. Julia's "Seinfeld" role: ELAINE. Elaine Benes. 

20. Notable period: ERA.

21. Messenger __: RNA.

22. "Memo" on a memo, maybe: HEADER.

23. Cosmetics sample: TESTER. These little testers leak easily.

24. Give adequate reason for: WARRANT.

26. Pick up, as a call: ANSWER.

30. Six-time Oscar nominee Adams: AMY.

32. Avenger with a hammer: THOR.

33. Mixed martial arts org.: UFC. The Ultimate Fighting Championship.

34. Young fellows: LADS.

35. Texter's "I think": IMO.

38. Make like whales and icebergs: CALVE. Calve also means "to break off a large chunk". Learning moment for me.

43. Tennessee NFLer: TITAN.

45. Some children's party performers: CLOWNS.

47. Argentine soccer star Lionel: MESSI. With Inter Miami now.

48. Wild cards, maybe: JOKERS.

49. Some antique cars: REOS.

50. Grub: CHOW.

53. Valley where it's easy to get a cab?: NAPA. Cabernet. 

56. Part of the HOMES mnemonic: ERIE.

57. Inquire: ASK.

58. Satisfactory: GOOD.

59. Taxpayer's rep: CPA.

62. Nike rival: PUMA.

64. Took a chair: SAT.

69. Trembling violin tone: VIBRATO.

72. Scotts Miracle-Gro brand: ORTHO.

73. Orbital shape: ELLIPSE.

77. Build: ERECT.

81. Place for a trim: SALON.

82. "Don't __ me!": SASS.

83. Passes, as time: ELAPSES.

84. "The Sweetest Taboo" singer: SADE. Sweet, soothing voice.

85. Stone fruit's stone: PIT.

86. Some Italian sports cars, familiarly: ALFAS.

89. Glee: MIRTH.

93. "That hurts!": YOW.

94. Thumbnails in a music collection: ALBUM ART.

96. "The Mole" host Shapiro: ARI.

99. Pup's front feet: FOREPAWS.

101. Surgical stitch: SUTURE.

102. Sought office: RAN.

103. "A __ of Their Own": LEAGUE.

104. "Can't deny it!": YES I AM.

106. Booker T.'s band: MGS.

107. Pacific Northwest hub, familiarly: SEA-TAC. Seattle–Tacoma

108. "Deets coming soon": TBD.

113. Airport safety gp.: TSA.

116. Esquire publisher: HEARST.

118. Largest of the British Virgin Islands: TORTOLA. Lots of offshore companies there.

119. More spooky: EERIER.

121. Laces up again: RE-TIES.

122. Floor covering: AREA RUG.

123. First words in a journal, maybe: DAY ONE.

124. Offer of assistance: USE ME.

125. Financial records: LEDGERS.

126. Gives for a while: LENDS.

Down:

1. Lunar holiday in Vietnam: TET.

2. Drink served in a yard?: ALE. Yard of ale.  Yard-tall beer glass.

3. Angry glare: NASTY LOOK. And 16. TV spot scribes: AD WRITERS. Symmetrical partners. 

4. __ and kin: KITH.

5. Like leftovers: UNEATEN.

6. Western Australia city: PERTH. Capital of Western Australia

7. Word of caution: BEWARE.

8. Muffin fiber: BRAN.

9. Go on a bender: CAROUSE.

10. Saint of Assisi: FRANCIS.

11. Travelers' stopovers: INNS.

12. Tell (on): TATTLE.

13. Leafy green in the beet family: CHARD.

14. Signs a lease with: RENTS TO.

15. "At __, soldier!": EASE.

17. Golf ball prop: TEE.

18. Drop the ball: ERR.

25. Singer-songwriter Wainwright: RUFUS. Unknown to me.

28. Plant, as seeds: SOW.

29. Small batteries: AAS.

30. Capital of Ghana: ACCRA.

31. Drones, e.g.: MALES. Bees.

36. "The Sound of Music" governess: MARIA.

37. Get-go: ONSET.

39. Bugs on the road, briefly: VWS.

41. Automaker based in Munich: BMW.

42. Element with the shortest name: TIN.

44. 34th prez: IKE.

46. Joplin known as the "King of Ragtime": SCOTT.

48. Denver Nuggets point guard Murray: JAMAL. Canadian. 

51. Hostess goodies: HO HOS.

52. Celebratory poem: ODE.

54. Suitable: APT.

55. Detergent brand: PUREX.

58. Tiny pest: GNAT.

59. Magna __: CARTA.

60. __ for the night: PUT UP.

61. Lenten symbol: ASHES.

63. Knee parts, for short: ACLS.

65. "The Lord of the Rings" monsters: ORCS.

66. Young horses: FOALS.

67. Spiritual carving: TOTEM.

68. Sportages and Rios: KIAS.

69. Italian scooter: VESPA.

70. Letter-shaped girders: I RAILS. I-shaped girders.

75. "Us too!": SO DO WE.

76. Online source of red carpet coverage: E NEWS.

79. Udder part: TEAT.

80. "You wish!": ASIF.

86. Travel blogger's succinct review: A MUST SEE.

87. Ranchers' ropes: LARIATS.

88. "Le __" : Chic song: FREAK.

90. Lumberjack contest that requires a lot of balance: ROLEO.

91. Paid the full tab: TREATED.

92. Make airtight using thermoplastics, say: HEAT SEAL.

95. Athlete who plays home games near the Great Salt Lake: UTE.

96. Like much battlefield equipment: ARMORED.

98. Like sales not made online: IN STORE.

100. McIlroy's org.: PGA. Rory. 

105. Chain material: METAL.

107. Catches fly balls: SHAGS.

108. See-__: THRU.

109. Honey producers: BEES.

111. Perspiration outlet: PORE.

112. Miss a few letters when speaking: SLUR.

114. Email button: SEND.

115. Greek Mars: ARES.

117. Salted part of a margarita glass: RIM.

120. Pastrami sandwich bread: RYE.

C.C.

Sunday March 1, 2026 Matt Revis & Katie Hale

 

Theme: "CELL DIVISION" - One word is inserted into a cellphone-related terms, breaking them apart and turning them into wacky new phrases.

22. Part of the hiring process for stenographers?: TOUCH TYPE SCREEN. Touch screen. 

36. Stage production about the lives of autoworkers?: CARMAKERS PLAY. CarPlay. 

47. Need for the queen of hearts to get past security?: FACE CARD ID. Face ID.

68. Picture-perfect brioche?: CAMERA READY ROLL. Camera roll. 

94. Escape capsules for rent?: AIRBNB PODS. AirPods.

102. Investigation into how E.T. got away?: PHONE HOME CASE. Phone case. 

Reveal: 

123. Silicon Valley game changers, or an alternate title for this puzzle: TECH DISRUPTIONS.

What a great title! 

The base phrases are all familiar cellphone terms, with a few distinctly iPhone: CarPlay, Face ID, and AirPods. Each term is "interrupted" by the insertion of an extra word. That added word isn't random of course. It pairs with the first word to form another common phrase.

Across:

1. Plant with edible sprouts: ALFALFA.

8. Bouldering spot: CLIFF. Also 19. Homes for the higher-ups?: AERIES. Nests that might well be found on a cliff. 
 
13. Kemper of "The Office": ELLIE. She played Erin Hannon.

18. Pointed beards: GOATEES.

21. Eerie haunted hayride sounds: MOANS.

24. Take illegally: USURP.

25. Brings together: UNITES.

26. Horror film subjects, maybe: EVILS.

27. Brit's bathroom: LOO.

29. Three-pointer: TREY. Basketball shot.

30. Supermodel Beckford: TYSON. I recognized his face but not his name. He's Jamaican-American model. Did you know that women earn much more than men in the modeling industry?

 

31. Blather on and on: PRATE.

32. Like some jeans: LOW-RISE.

34. Party hard: RAGE.

40. Wire service co.: UPI.

43. Chest muscle, briefly: PEC.

45. Swindle: CON.

46. Kitchen set: DINETTE.

52. Candy from a novelty dispenser: PEZ.

54. Waxy compound: STEROL. Wikipedia says sterols are a subgroup of the steroids

55. "Aida," for one: OPERA.

56. Sherbet serving: SCOOP.

58. Way in: DOOR.

60. PC maker: DELL.

61. Glossy fabrics: SATINS.

63. Antihistamine target, perhaps: WELT.

65. Fair-hiring org.: EEOC.

67. Overhead trains: ELS.

73. Make calls?: UMP. Balls/strikes calls.

76. Corporate symbol: LOGO.

77. "Eh, __ difference": SAME.

78. Fixes, as loose ends: TIES UP.

82. Stain on Santa's suit: SOOT.

84. King of cinema: KONG. 

86. Sound of impact: SPLAT.

89. Heavenly food: MANNA. Tasted like honey wafers. I could eat it daily for 40 years too. 

90. Bleak: MOROSE.

92. "__ we good?": ARE.

96. Word on some film awards: ACTRESS.  Jessie Buckley this year!

98. Clairvoyance, e.g.: ESP.

100. White lie: FIB.

101. Spam sender: BOT.

106. "Well, shoot!": RATS.

109. English noble title: BARONET.

110. Did a fall chore: RAKED.

112. Poetic feet: IAMBI.

116. Molt: SHED.

118. Armed conflict: WAR. 4. Greek goddess of 118-Across: ATHENA.

119. Do the dishes?: CATER. Literally. 

120. Release: UNMOOR.

121. Eagle's claw: TALON.

126. Back street: ALLEY.

127. More pale: ASHIER.

128. Stepped inside: ENTERED.

129. Silly one: GOOSE.

130. Razz: TEASE.

131. Whatsits: DOODADS.

Down:

1. Anguish: AGONY.

2. Name of many French kings: LOUIS.  Ludwig in German.

3. Consideration: FACTOR.

5. "We should!": LET'S.

6. Tina of "Only Murders in the Building": FEY.

7. According to: ASPER.

8. House in "Encanto": CASITA. Also appears in Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show.

9. Ferrari Formula One driver Charles: LECLERC. Learning moment for me. He was born in Monte Carlo and has won eight Grands Prix.

10. Bargain basket items, for short: IRRS. Irregulars.

11. Old-timey "Darn you!": FIE.

12. "You doing all right?": FEEL OK.

13. Flightless Australian bird: EMU.

14. Slowed down: LOST SPEED.

15. Bay leaf source: LAUREL TREE. Can't survive the Minnesota winter.

16. Memo phrase: IN RE.

17. Best Championship Performance, e.g.: ESPY.

20. Covered in white, in a way: SNOWED.

22. Disapproving sound: TUT.

23. Storm rescue op: EVAC. Evacuation.

28. Potpourri ingredient: ORRIS ROOT. We had this before. 

31. House of Lords members: PEERS.

32. Like bowling alleys: LANED.

33. "__ that precious?": ISN'T.

35. College app datum: GPA.

37. Bucket partner: MOP.

38. Coral island: ATOLL.

39. Shouts: YELLS.

40. Sci-fi craft: UFOS.

41. Family nickname: PAPA. Baba in Chinese.

42. "Law & Order: SVU" co-star: ICE-T.

44. Atlanta-based govt. agency: CDC.

48. Actor Bana: ERIC. He played Hector in "Troy".

49. Lock setting: CANAL.

50. Sioux City state: IOWA.

51. Self-starters: DOERS.

53. Rapper of "KPop Demon Hunters": ZOEY. One more learning moment.

57. Court statements: PLEAS.

59. Above, poetically: OER.

62. Exceptionally attractive person, slangily: SMOKESHOW. Learned this slang from a previous LAT grid.

64. Bay on Florida's west coast: TAMPA.

66. Ascend: CLIMB.

69. Teamwork inhibitor: EGO.

70. Novelist Jaffe: RONA.

71. Cold cuts counter: DELI.

72. Jump: LEAP.

73. Graphic that typically has two insets: US MAP.

74. Sponge: MOOCH.

75. Mushroom that can be a burger: PORTOBELLO. 

79. Snooty one: SNOB.

80. Click a backward arrow, maybe: UNDO.

81. Erstwhile: PAST.

83. Twisters: TORNADOES.

85. Say hello to: GREET.

87. "Woof": ARF.

88. Car in a Beach Boys song: T BIRD.

91. Oracle: SEER.

93. F1 neighbor: ESC.

95. Org. with Bulls and Bucks: NBA.

97. Beethoven composition: SONATA.

99. St. Patrick's Day events: PARADES.

103. Least: MEREST.

104. Much political humor: SATIRE.

105. Scrapes (out): EKES.

107. Like some car windows: TINTED.

108. Wiley of "The Handmaid's Tale": SAMIRA.

111. Scored an own goal: ERRED.

113. Called on a dairy farm: MOOED.

114. Stocks partner: BONDS.

115. Org. with a big returns department: IRS.

116. Alone: STAG.

117. Nativity headgear: HALO.

119. Seed in some healthy smoothies: CHIA.

120. "What are you __?": UP TO.

122. Dec. 31: NYE.

124. Michael of "SNL": CHE.

125. Low Spanish number: UNO.

C.C.